15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000
15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000
“How far is Ninh Binh from Hanoi?” is one of the most commonly asked questions by travelers visiting northern Vietnam. Whether you are planning a peaceful day trip, a scenic photography journey, or a full cultural experience in Vietnam’s stunning countryside, understanding the distance, travel time, transportation options, and best routes to Ninh Binh is essential.
Ninh Binh, known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” is a breathtaking destination filled with dramatic limestone mountains, peaceful rivers, golden rice fields, ancient temples, hidden caves and charming villages. Because it is so close to Hanoi and extremely accessible, Ninh Binh has become one of the most popular short trips for tourists, couples, families, photographers and adventure lovers.
This comprehensive guide will not only answer the question How far is Ninh Binh from Hanoi?, but also give you a complete overview of what to expect, how to get there, the best itineraries, what to see, insider tips, and why booking through Golden Trail Travel (https://goldentrailtravel.com/) is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to explore the region.
Below is your full travel companion to Ninh Binh.
The distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is approximately 95 to 105 kilometers, depending on your exact starting point in Hanoi and your destination within Ninh Binh province.
Because Ninh Binh is a large area with multiple attractions such as Trang An, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, Mua Cave and Bai Dinh Pagoda, the total distance can vary slightly. But on average, the journey is around 100 km.
Travel time depends on the transportation method:
Private car or limousine: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
Express bus: around 2 hours
Local bus: 2.5 to 3 hours
Train: 2 to 2.5 hours
Motorbike: 2 to 2.5 hours depending on speed and stops
For most travelers, the best and most comfortable way to travel is by private car or limousine bus, especially when booking through Golden Trail Travel, which offers hotel pickup and safe, modern vehicles.
Because Ninh Binh is so close to Hanoi, you can:
Visit comfortably in a single day
Enjoy a relaxed itinerary without rushing
Leave after breakfast and return before dinner
Spend more time exploring than traveling
Make spontaneous trips if the weather is good
This convenience is one reason why Ninh Binh is considered the top day-trip destination from Hanoi.
This is the fastest, most comfortable and most flexible option.
Advantages include:
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Air-conditioned comfort
Ability to stop for photos or snacks
Travel on express highways
No waiting or transferring
Golden Trail Travel offers excellent private car services, which you can book through their website:
https://goldentrailtravel.com/
This option is ideal for couples, families, photographers and anyone wanting a smooth, worry-free experience.
Limousine vans are extremely popular in Vietnam for short-distance travel. These minibuses are modern, comfortable and affordable, making them perfect for travelers who want better quality than a normal bus but don’t need a private car.
Expect:
Soft, reclining leather seats
Free Wi-Fi
USB charging ports
Bottled water
Multiple daily departures
Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Traveling by train between Hanoi and Ninh Binh gives a slow-paced but scenic experience. Trains depart from Hanoi Train Station and arrive at Ninh Binh Train Station in the city center.
Pros:
Smooth ride
Scenic countryside views
Spacious seats
Cons:
Limited schedule
Need to take a taxi from the station to attractions
Less flexible for day trips
This option is for adventurous travelers who want complete freedom. The route is easy to ride, mostly on flat surfaces and highways.
Pros:
Total independence
Explore small roads and villages
Great for photography enthusiasts
Cons:
Weather dependent
Requires experience driving in Vietnam
Not ideal for families or first-time visitors
For convenience and comfort, the best option is booking a private car or limousine bus through Golden Trail Travel, especially if you’re planning a full-day or multi-day tour.
The landscapes of Ninh Binh are defined by:
Towering limestone mountains
Calm rivers flowing through dark caves
Lush rice paddies
Wide valleys surrounded by cliffs
Traditional rural villages
Ancient temples and pagodas
These features give Ninh Binh its reputation as one of the most beautiful natural destinations in Vietnam.
Here are the top must-see places during your trip:
Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes. A boat ride through Trang An takes you along emerald-green rivers surrounded by giant limestone cliffs.
You will pass:
Long cave tunnels
Hidden shrines
Temples on the water
Dramatic karst towers
The experience feels peaceful and otherworldly.
Known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” Tam Coc features:
Rice fields lining both banks of the river
Traditional rowing boats steered by local women
Dramatic rock formations
Three cave tunnels
This is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Vietnam.
If you want the best panoramic view of Ninh Binh, Mua Cave is the place to go. The climb is about 500 steps, but when you reach the top, you will be rewarded with:
A breathtaking aerial view of Tam Coc
A giant dragon statue carved along the ridge
Endless rice fields stretching into the horizon
A visit to Hoa Lu lets you explore Vietnam’s ancient kingdom from the 10th century.
You will see:
Temples honoring King Dinh and King Le
Stone buildings and pagodas
Peaceful courtyards surrounded by mountains
This is one of Vietnam’s largest and most impressive Buddhist temple complexes.
Expect:
Enormous bronze Buddha statues
Towers and pagodas overlooking the mountains
A long corridor of Buddha sculptures
Peaceful spiritual atmosphere
A paradise for bird lovers, with hundreds of bird species, lotus ponds and caves.
Vietnam’s first national park, famous for:
Rainforest trails
Endangered primate rescue center
Ancient trees over 1,000 years old
This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors:
Morning:
Drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Explore temples and learn about early Vietnamese history
Midday:
Have lunch at a local restaurant
Enjoy a peaceful boat trip in Trang An or Tam Coc
Afternoon:
Cycle around countryside villages
Climb Mua Cave Viewpoint for the best panorama
Evening:
Drive back to Hanoi
You can book this itinerary easily through Golden Trail Travel at:
https://goldentrailtravel.com/
Day 1:
Trang An boat ride
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Mua Cave viewpoint
Overnight at a bungalow or homestay
Day 2:
Tam Coc boat ride
Cycling in the countryside
Visit Bich Dong Pagoda
This is the ultimate Ninh Binh tour.
Day 1:
Hoa Lu
Trang An boat ride
Mua Cave
Day 2:
Tam Coc boat ride
Cycling
Ninh Binh countryside tour
Day 3:
Thung Nham Bird Valley or Cuc Phuong National Park
Golden Trail Travel provides travelers with reliable, well-organized and flexible Ninh Binh tours.
Their guides understand:
History
Culture
Nature
Photography spots
Hidden gems
Golden Trail Travel provides:
Limousines
Private cars
Safe drivers
Comfortable seats
Water and air-conditioning
They can adjust tours for:
Couples
Families
Senior travelers
Photographers
Adventure lovers
Book directly at:
https://goldentrailtravel.com/
Start early to avoid crowds at Mua Cave
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
Have cash for small purchases
Pack light
Drink plenty of water
Choose comfortable transport if traveling with kids or older adults
Book a guided tour for a smoother experience
“Unforgettable experience”
“Our Ninh Binh day tour from Hanoi was the best experience of our trip! The Trang An boat ride was magical. Golden Trail Travel made everything easy and enjoyable.”
— Sarah, UK
“Great for families”
“We traveled with our two children. They loved the boat ride and the climb at Mua Cave. Our guide was very friendly and helpful.”
— Johnson Family, USA
“Incredible views”
“The Mua Cave viewpoint is spectacular. We also enjoyed the cycling tour arranged by Golden Trail Travel. Highly recommended.”
— Luca, Italy
How far is Ninh Binh from Hanoi?
Around 95 to 105 km depending on starting points.
How long does the drive take?
Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Can you visit Ninh Binh in one day?
Yes, it is perfect for a day trip from Hanoi.
Is it better to visit Trang An or Tam Coc?
Both are beautiful. Trang An has more caves, while Tam Coc has more rice fields.
Is Mua Cave difficult to climb?
It has about 500 steps, but it’s manageable with breaks.
What’s the best way to book a tour?
Visit Golden Trail Travel at https://goldentrailtravel.com/
So, how far is Ninh Binh from Hanoi? Not far at all. Just about 100 kilometers and roughly two hours of travel stand between you and one of Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes.
In just one day, you can:
Cruise through caves
See rice fields and limestone mountains
Explore ancient temples
Cycle through quiet villages
Climb to the top of Mua Cave for incredible views
With the expertise of Golden Trail Travel, your entire journey becomes smoother, safer and far more enjoyable.
To book your Ninh Binh adventure, visit:
https://goldentrailtravel.com/
